Der Werwolf: The Annals of Veight Volume 13

By Hyougetsu and Nari Teshima

Having been selected to join Meraldia's delegation, Friede, Yuhette, and Shirin make their way to the frigid Rolmund Empire to meet with Empress Eleora. Once there, she encounters Eleora's niece, Micha, and the two become fast friends. One day, while they're exploring the capital, a group of people plotting Eleora's demise abduct Micha. Friede tracks them to their hideout, and soon realizes that she won't be able to count on backup. Alone, she infiltrates the enemy base in order to save her friend.

• Language: English
• Publisher: J-Novel Club
• Release date: Dec 20, 2021
• ISBN: 9781718331242

Book preview

Chapter 13

The Meraldian Commonwealth and the Rolmund Empire agreed to a technological exchange, opening the door to formal negotiations between the two nations. Friede was chosen to go with the diplomatic delegation to Rolmund, and was eagerly awaiting the day of their departure.

You’re really gonna go to Rommand? Ryucco, the demon army’s chief technician, asked her as he idly munched on a carrot.

"Yep. I’m going to Rolmund." Friede casually corrected Ryucco’s mispronunciation, but the lagomorph didn’t seem to notice.

He skillfully disassembled a small Blast Rifle, made a few adjustments, and reassembled it just as quickly.

Here, it’s got the firepower you asked for. Give it a test shot.

Thanks, Ryucco.

Friede took aim at a small target that had been set up on an empty lot near Doneiks’s arena. Her Blast Rifle was small enough that it was more like a Blast Pistol.

Take that! She pulled the trigger, and a blinding bullet of light shot out of the muzzle. Whoa! What the?!

Friede shut her eyes in surprise, and heard a soft thump as the bullet hit the target.

After a few seconds, she slowly opened her eyes and saw that the target had been blown to pieces. The smell of burning wood reached her moments after.

Damn, that blasted straight through that tower shield. It was even reinforced with iron plates. Hey, how many plates did that shot pierce? Ryucco asked in amazement, and a group of canine techs went over to the target to check.

Four plates, sir!

It didn’t pierce the fifth plate, but it snapped in half!

There’re cracks in the sixth one too!

The first two plates were shattered in so many pieces there’s nothing left of them!

One canine ran over to Ryucco, took off his goggles, and pointed to a few figures on his clipboard. We got some really good measurements here! Look at this, Ryucco, it’s amazing!

Ryucco whistled appreciatively as he stared at the numbers. That one shot had 7.4 kites worth of magic in it? You’d need a cadre of destruction mages to get that kinda output normally. No wonder you obliterated that shield.

Umm, isn’t this weapon a little overkill? Friede asked hesitantly, and Ryucco shrugged his shoulders.

You might need this kind of firepower when you’re up against a bunched army, but you definitely don’t need it for a regular shoot-out. Lemme see that. Ryucco took the Blast Rifle from Friede and started tinkering with it. I’ll just set a limit on its maximum firepower and... Wait, what should I do with the excess mana output? Eh, screw it. I’ll divert it here and increase its capacity.

He substituted out a few parts, then handed the pistol back to Friede.

Here, this should do it. Keep the output setting on minimum unless you need heavy firepower. It’ll shoot 0.2 kite bullets, which is the demon army Blast Rifle standard.

Of course, that’s still enough to kill a normal human, so be careful, one of the canines added, his tail wagging excitedly.

As long as you’re shooting within its effective range, that’s still powerful enough to blow off someone’s head or arm, even if they’re wearing armor, another said.

Yikes, Friede said with a shiver as she stared at the weapon in her hands.

Ryucco started cleaning up his tools and took out another vegetable stick to munch on.

You don’t have as much mana as Veight, but you’ve still got a heck of a lot, he said. Honestly, this pistol’s meant to be more of a tool to help you get rid of your excess mana than a proper weapon.

If I store up too much mana, I’ll turn into a Valkaan, right? Don’t worry, I’ll be careful.

Friede looked over the pistol one last time, then holstered it. All right, one last test shot? she asked.

Yep, go for it.

’Kay.

The canines brought out a new target, and Friede got into a quick-draw stance. She sucked in a deep breath and touched the pistol’s grip.

Here I go!

After she was done testing her new gun, Friede ate lunch with the canines. They’d made roast duck sandwiches for everyone. When he saw what was for lunch, Ryucco started angrily stomping on the ground.

Why do you guys have to stick meat in everything?!

’Cause meat’s tasty?

How many times do I have to tell you I prefer vegetables?!

Friede fished out a sandwich that looked different from the rest and handed it to Ryucco. Here, they have vegetable sandwiches too.

Oh, good. You guys did remember. It’s not like I can’t eat meat, but vegetables are just so much better.

Ryucco sat down next to Friede and took a big bite out of his sandwich. Before long, the topic of conversation naturally turned towards Friede’s upcoming trip to Rolmund.

Watch out for Empress Eleora. She’s one hell of a schemer. She’s got a few soft spots though.

Uh-huh.

Oh, and she knows her stuff when it comes to magic and research. Though, she ain’t as good as me.

Doesn’t...that mean she’s not that amazing? Friede asked with a smile, and Ryucco sniffed dismissively.

Oh, she’s amazing all right, just not as much as Veight.

Okay...

I’m not sure that actually told me anything concrete about what Eleora’s like.

Some time later, Friede and her companions set out for Krauhen, where the members of the delegation would be meeting up before going to Rolmund. There was supposed to be a large number of researchers, mages, and students in the delegation, so they wouldn’t feel out of place. Veight and a few other members of the werewolf squad would serve as Friede’s bodyguards during the trip.

Inside the carriage, Friede smiled and said, You’re such a worrywart, dad.

I’m not worried, I’m just going with you to see you off as mom’s—as the Demon Lord’s representative, Veight said, folding his arms and looking out the window. He had a habit of doing that whenever he was making excuses. The council’s expecting a lot from this delegation. Meraldia and Rolmund have different political structures and different cultures, but that’s precisely why we need to deepen our ties and avoid conflict.

I don’t get the complicated political stuff, but basically we just have to become friends, right?

Well...basically, yeah. Make sure you mind your manners though, Veight said with a small smile, then leaned closer to Friede. Oh yeah, it’s cold up there, so remember to pile on the blankets when you sleep.

Hm? But I always sleep under a lot of blankets.

Yeah, and by the time you wake up you’ve kicked them all off. The last thing you want is to catch a cold in a foreign country. Oh, and they have different foods than us, but don’t overeat just because everything looks novel. They’ll be serving a lot of deer and beef, but leave some for the rest of your friends, okay?

Wait, beef?! Wow, we almost never get beef in Ryunheit!

That’s exactly the kind of thing you shouldn’t say when you’re over there. People might make assumptions on Meraldia’s financial situation based on our eating habits. Veight let out a small sigh. Cows need more food to raise than other livestock, which is why beef is more expensive than other kinds of—

Hey, dad, how do they cook their beef in Rolmund?

Hm? Well, it’s been a while, so I don’t remember too well. I think they had a lot of stews and wine-glazed steaks, and stuff?

How could you forget something so important?! she protested. You’ve got such a good memory for everything else, how could you forget about all the delicious foreign food you ate?

Veight gave Friede a placating smile and said, There was a lot going on when I was there. I didn’t exactly have time to savor my meals... Oh, but that does remind me. Talking about food had jogged Veight’s memory. You know how in northern Meraldia they put melted cheese on a lot of dishes? Well, that style of cuisine comes from Rolmund, so you’ll see it there too.

Sweet! I love cheese!

Just remember, don’t overeat.

Okay!

It was clear from her tone that she was ready to eat an entire cow each meal.

Friede and Veight ended up talking about Rolmund cuisine for the rest of the journey to Krauhen. As this would be the first official exchange between Rolmund and Meraldia, Kurtz, the head engineer of the demon army and Veight’s longtime friend, was chosen to be the delegation’s leader.

Our mission is to set the foundations for an alliance with Rolmund, Kurtz said to the gathered members of the delegation in his customary calm, measured tone. However, we are not diplomats. We do not possess the education and training that formal diplomats would. Rolmund is not expecting diplomacy from us either. We simply need to comport ourselves in a manner befitting researchers and engineers. In other words... He cleared his throat. All that’s expected from us is to learn from Rolmund’s leading scholars, my fellow academics.

The members of the delegation grinned and nodded emphatically.

The Holy Empire of Rolmund covered as much territory as the Meraldian Commonwealth but had a much bigger population, which consisted predominantly of humans.

Because of the cold, mountainous climate, there are only a few places in Rolmund suitable for cultivating crops. The reason Rolmund invaded Meraldia in the past was because the empire was in desperate need of more arable land, Kurtz explained to the group as they rode up Rolmund’s main highway in a carriage. History wasn’t Friede’s strongest subject, but she did remember learning about this in class before.

Kurtz turned to her as he continued his speech.

Your father, Veight, was the one who stopped their invasion. He defeated the commander of the invading army, Eleora, at the battle of Ryunheit, and took her captive.

Wait, the same Eleora who’s now an empress? Friede asked.

Correct.

Friede sighed and muttered, "Is there any major accomplishment that wasn’t yours, dad?"

Kurtz chuckled at that and replied, With the exception of one person, that’s how everyone in Meraldia feels.

Who’s that one person?

Veight himself. It honestly gets exasperating at times. He looked out the window and added, After that, he won Eleora over to his side and got her to work for him. He caused quite a scene in Rolmund, and after a series of rather fascinating events, installed Eleora as its empress.

Uncle, what exactly do you mean when you say ‘he caused quite a scene’? Shirin asked, curious. Their lessons hadn’t covered recent Rolmund history yet.

Kurtz wiped the lens of his glasses and turned to his nephew. I only read the reports, so I’m afraid I only have a basic understanding of what happened. But apparently, Veight is known in Rolmund as the Astral Fencer. He also earned himself the moniker ‘Lord of Crimson Snow Keep.’

How many nicknames does my dad have? Friede asked in amazement. Kurtz summarized the events that happened during Veight’s visit, starting with the death of Bahazoff the fourth, then going on to talk about the Doneiks Rebellion, and the heretic Lord Bolshevik’s secret plot. Some of that had been covered in Friede and the others’ lessons, but not Veight’s involvement.

Once he was done, Kurtz finished up by saying, Ultimately, though, it would be best to ask the people of Rolmund on any specifics you’re curious about.

Friede muttered, I will, but I get the feeling I’m not going to like some of the answers...

The carriage rattled on as they headed towards the capital.

The delegation safely arrived in Rolmund’s capital city of Originia.

This city used to be called Schwerin, because until recently, it was Prince Ashley’s Schwerin family that held the throne, Lieutenant Lenkov explained as he greeted Kurtz and the others. He was now a member of the royal guard, and it was his squad that had escorted the delegation from Fort Novesk to the capital. He had a slender build and was nearing middle age, but it was clear from the way he carried himself that he had years of experience on the battlefield.

But once Empress Eleora took the throne, the Originia family became guardians of the capital, so its name was changed.

Shirin looked up at him with respect and asked, I read that Empress Eleora’s mage corps took on all the most dangerous missions during her rise to power. You were part of that corps too, weren’t you, Sir Lenkov?

Lenkov smiled ruefully and pulled his cap low over his head. It was not us who did the most for our empress, young dragonkin. It was the man you all know so well. He let out a small sigh before adding, It’s quite humbling, owing a debt to a man who works for a country we may one day have to fight.

I...hope we never go to war. Rolmund is the birthplace of the Sonnenlicht Order; I wouldn’t want to fight fellow believers, Yuhette said in a worried voice.

In a solemn tone, Lenkov replied, I did say ‘may,’ not will. We aren’t enemies right now—it’s just that the only nation Rolmund might ever find itself at war with is Meraldia, considering the continent’s geography. Besides, we have sworn fealty to Empress Eleora, and our only duty is to protect her and our homeland. It was she who ordered us to escort you here, so she also believes mutual cooperation will be to both nations’ benefit. Besides... Lenkov scratched his head awkwardly. I don’t want to fight Meraldia ever again either. So I hope we can work together to make sure that never happens.

Yes, of course! Friede said excitedly. Though...I’m not sure what we can do to help, she added after a moment’s hesitation.

The nobles whose territories Friede and the others had passed through on their way to the capital had welcomed the delegation with open arms, and the nobles in Originia were no different. But while the group was glad for the dinner invitations and parties, the constant stream of socializing in a foreign land had left them exhausted. By the time they reached the palace, the children were at their limits.

W-We can relax now, right? Shirin groaned.

Natalia, their guide and Rolmund’s grand chamberlain, smiled. Yes, you can. Feel free to take a short nap, or if you’d prefer a light meal, I can have something brought up from the kitchens.

Talking formally for so long gets so tiring... Friede said, collapsing on a nearby sofa.

Everyone is just pleased to see you, that’s all. Some of our nobles only began to believe the Black Werewolf King no longer meant them harm after you arrived.

What on earth did my dad do here?

Natalia walked over to Friede, and asked, Is your father doing well?

Yes. His fashion sense is atrocious, and he never brushes his hair properly, but other than that, he’s doing great.

Natalia smiled. I see he hasn’t changed at all.

Huh? Friede asked, getting up into a sitting position.

Natalia bowed to the children and said, Now then, I must get going. Someone will come by to visit you later—I do hope you get along with them.

Who? Yuhette asked, but Natalia just chuckled and shook her head.

I’m afraid that’s a state secret.

Is that supposed to be a Rolmundian joke? Friede thought blearily.

The room the kids were in was about as large as a Meraldia University classroom, and decorated with jewels and precious metals. The other members of the delegation had all been given their own rooms as well.

Friede stared absently up at the ceiling and muttered, That chandelier is using magical lights instead of candles. I wonder how much something like that costs...

It’s not just the chandelier. That fireplace is built out of dragonscale marble. One of those stones could buy a hundred Blast Rifles, Shirin said, staring at it in awe.

Yuhette reclined in an armchair and stared intently at the wall. This fresco on the wall depicts the entire story of Saint Zahakt’s Penitence. I’ve never seen a painting so detailed or so vivid... It’s the kind of thing you might see in Ioro Lange’s cathedral.

As the kids marveled at the treasure trove of a room they’d been assigned, they heard a knock at the door.

Come in, Shirin said, and the door swung open. Everyone turned to see a young girl about Friede’s age walk in. She was wearing expensive clothes, and her eyes shone with a fierce strength.

Umm... Are you part of the Meraldian delegation? she asked, speaking in Meraldian rather than Rolmundian. The two languages were rather similar, but there were distinct differences in pitch and accent that made it clear when one was speaking one or the other.

As Friede and the others thought about how to respond, the girl furrowed her brow and cocked her head.

Was my pronunciation off? I thought I practiced it enough. You can understand me, right?

Oh, uh, yes we can. I’m Friede. Friede Aindorf, Friede said with a nod, and the girl smiled.

Good, that’s a relief. My name is Micha. Micha Wikran Originia Rolmund. My apologies for arriving late.

Friede and the others exchanged glances.

Who? Friede asked her friends.

Well...she has the Originia surname, so she must be part of the imperial family, Shirin replied. I feel like I’ve heard the name Wikran somewhere before too...

You two could have at least memorized the names of Rolmund’s royalty, Yuhette said. This girl is Empress Eleora’s niece. I believe she’s second in line for the throne.

"No, I’m first! Mother relinquished her claim, so I’m first in line! Micha said indignantly, and then pointed at Friede. You’re a princess too, aren’t you?! If you’re royalty, you should at least know the names of your neighboring nations’ royalty!"

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